If you’ve recently had food poisoning, you may wonder: what can I eat after I get sick? The answer depends on the type of poison you contracted. Foodborne illness is caused by pathogenic bacteria, parasites, toxins, and chemicals in food. In some cases, symptoms won’t appear for days or weeks after you consume the food. Seeing a doctor is always a good idea, especially since a doctor can cross-reference your information with the local health department, which compiles reports about illnesses.
To get back to normal eating habits after a food poisoning episode, you should ease into a normal eating routine by starting with bland foods and slowly adding new ones. In order to protect your digestive system from further damage, you should avoid foods high in fat. Fiber is great for supporting colon health, helping with digestion, and increasing bowel movement frequency, but it’s not advisable to eat large amounts of it right after food poisoning.
If you’ve recently been sick with food poisoning, you should hydrate yourself by consuming plenty of liquid. Dehydration is a major effect of vomiting and diarrhea. You can combat dehydration by drinking a sports drink. Clear, non-caffeinated sodas are an excellent liquid solution. You can also soak dried fruit in water to create a sports drink. This will provide the body with electrolytes and reduce diarrhea.
If you’re not feeling well, avoid challenging foods such as spicy or greasy foods, which are likely to make you feel worse. Try eating foods that are low in fiber and easy on your digestive system. Bananas and rice are high in potassium, which may help you replace nutrients lost during diarrhea. Another option is to eat foods that contain probiotics, which are food-based living bacteria that replace the harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Yogurt and fermented milk are both rich sources of probiotics, and are generally tolerable.
You should avoid fried foods and dairy products and limit the intake of fats and fibers. In addition, you should avoid consuming a large amount of foods with high sugar or high fat. Those who have a food-related problem should follow the advice of their healthcare provider and stay away from high-fat or high-fiber foods. Additionally, you should eat bland, plain, and simple foods.
When eating food, avoid over-processed or contaminated foods. If your symptoms don’t subside after a few hours, visit your primary care physician or Urgent Care Center. If you’re over 65 years old, visit your primary care doctor. While food poisoning is usually harmless, older adults are more vulnerable to severe complications. Certain strains of E. coli are dangerous and may even lead to hemorrhaging or kidney failure. You should avoid eating anything containing these bacteria until you have had time to settle.
You can start the recovery process by eating foods that are mild and low in fat and protein. If your stomach isn’t too upset, you can try the BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Drinking lots of water and eating bland food can help your stomach recover. A simple BRAT diet can help you recover faster. Keep hydrated and you’ll be fine!